Table of Contents
Stone Basics
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How to Polish Granite
Granite is a volcanic (igneous) rock composed of quartz crystals. Its appearance highlights these crystals and looks like it is composed of many small grains. (Marble and travertine have veins, not crystals.) Formed under intense pressure and heat during volcanic reactions, granite is primarily composed of quartz and not calcium. Granite is very dense, does not scratch easily, and does not react to most acids. Granite is often used in countertops and is generally more expensive than marble and travertine.
How to Polish Marble and Travertine
Marble is a metamorphic stone created when exposed to high temperatures and pressure over a long period of time. It is made of calcium and its appearance is easily distinguished because of its veins. When scratched, it always exhibits a white mark exposes its calcium content. The darker the marble, the more color it has and the less calcium. The color comes from added impurities. For example, red is iron. Green is algae. Black is petroleum. The marble coloring affects the way marble is polished and crystallized
How to Fill Travertine Holes
Travertine is sedimentary rock formed near natural hot springs and is composed of calcium. Its appearance has many voids. Some are shaped like fissures extending across the stone. All the holes are filled with a “filler” material making the surface flat. Travertine requires the most maintenance of any stone. Formed by underground hot water springs, the voids continue to form in the stone due to walking on them and general use. Travertine is used for flooring and walls, matches most everything, and is less expensive than marble and granite. Although gravitational pressure was used to form this type of rock, it is less dense than granite. Honed travertine comes out of the box with a 400 grit finish. One problem with travertine is that it doesn’t have a consistent finish so each step (square) may be slightly different. Many new floors need to be polished in order to even out the finish.
How to Seal Stone
- Identify the type of stone.
- The sealant properties should be surface specific and designed to match the density and/or the porosity of the stone you want to protect
- Determine what you need to protect against.
- Many sealers only protect against water, and not oils. Stone Pro Fluoropolymer sealers repel both water and oil. Look for the Hybrid Carrier Technology logo.
- Sealers must be VOC compliant, non-flammable and bio-degradable.
Choosing the Right Cleaner
Choosing the Right Sealer
This reference guide provides a comparative chart that allows the user to select a product based upon coverage rates, applicable surfaces, and desired results.
Choosing the Right Crystallizer
This reference guide provides a comparative chart that allows the user to select a product based upon coverage rates, applicable surfaces, and desired results.
Glossary of Terms
Acid Sensitive Stone: Stones that usually contain calcium that will react with acids; this reaction results in removing or etching the polish on the stone – stones included in this group are marble, limestone and travertine. Common household acids include citrus juice such as lemon, some cosmetics, or cleaners with acidic compounds.
Maintenance Crystallizer
STONE PRO MAINTENANCE CRYSTALLIZER marble polish is designed to easily maintain the shine on polished marble, travertine, and limestone; It is also used for granite countertop maintenance. This product will harden the surface making it more durable, scratch resistant, and less slippery.
Diamond Renew Marble Polish
STONE PRO – DIAMOND RENEW POLISHING POWDER restores the natural beauty of polished marble. It can be used as a final “restoration” polish, or as a maintenance polish. Composed of a diamond abrasive powder, this texture consistent polishing powder can help to remove light scratches and traffic wear patterns.
Granite Potea
STONE PRO – Granite Potea Polishing Powder. Available in both a light and dark color, this unique polishing powder removes light scratches during polishing and restores granite to its factory new color. Stone Pro Granite Potea revives dull surfaces during polishing by increasing the stones natural color and reflectivity.
Granite Potea
STONE PRO – Granite Potea Polishing Powder. Available in both a light and dark color, this unique polishing powder removes light scratches during polishing and restores granite to its factory new color. Stone Pro Granite Potea revives dull surfaces during polishing by increasing the stones natural color and reflectivity.
Crystal Clean Instructions
STONE PRO CRYSTAL CLEAN. Crystal Clean is a daily cleaner for natural stone, stainless, steel and glass that enables immediate evaporation and a streak free clean. It replenishes the surface with a sealer with every use.
Deep Clean Gel
STONE PRO – Deep Clean – Heavy Duty Natural Stone Cleaner. Deep Clean is a high alkaline, non-abrasive cleaner that removes food, grease, soap scum and other dirt from acid sensitive stones. Deep Clean can also be used as a neutralizer after polishing with Stone Pro Diamond Renew Polish Powder and Stone Pro Quick Clean Acidic Cleaner.
Finishing Touch Spray
STONE PRO – Finishing Touch. Finishing Touch is a multi-use daily spray that not only cleans without residue or streaking, but seals against unwanted dirt, soap scum, and water deposits. Simply spray and wipe to clean natural stone, stainless steel, glass, and metals.
Natural Touch Etch Remover
STONE PRO – Natural Touch Etch Remover. Water, food, and drink can etch and dull natural stone. Natural Touch restores shine, removes light scratches and repairs damage to countertops, floors, and showers.
Quick Clean Tile and Grout Cleaner
STONE PRO – Quick Clean – Tile and Grout and Masonry Cleaner. Quick Clean is commercial grade, concentrate, acidic stone cleaner for indoor and outdoor use. Remove dirt, grime, hard water deposits, grout haze, and efflorescence.
Stone Scrub
STONE PRO – Stone Scrub All Purpose Stone Cleaner Stone Scrub is an all purpose, safe, stone cleaner containing no acids or harsh chemicals. It safely removes hard water deposits, soap scum, and other residues from marble, granite, and tile surfaces without damaging sensitive stainless steel, metal sinks and bath fixtures.
Ultimate Pro - Granite
STONE PRO – Ultimate Pro Granite and Dense Stone Sealer. For interior and exterior use, this deep penetrating sealer impregnates natural stone with its unique “Hybrid Carrier Technology” and protects deeper and longer than other sealers. Designed to completely absorb into the stone, Ultimate Pro sealer protects against both water and oil, eliminates excessive residue and clean-up, and is immediately ready for use after application, avoiding long, over-night curing times. Ultimate Pro prevents wear patterns, hard water stains, and staining from food, water, oil, and dirt.
Pro Sealer - Marble
STONE PRO – Pro Sealer Marble Sealer Impregnator. Designed to adhere to polished surfaces, Pro Sealer seals polished marble as well as tile grout joints. For interior and exterior use, this deep penetrating sealer impregnates marble and other natural stone with its unique “Hybrid Carrier Technology” and protects deeper and longer than other sealers. Because Pro Sealer does not trap moisture, it is also ideal for waterproofing and sealing of concrete, stone, and masonry. Pro Sealer prevents wear patterns, hard water stains, and staining from food, water, oil, and dirt.
Porous Pro
STONE PRO – Porous Pro Sealer. Porous Pro Sealer is designed to protect and seal soft porous stone as well as grout joints. Enhanced to adhere to and fill larger voids in porous stone, this deep penetrating sealer impregnates porous natural stone with its unique “Hybrid Carrier Technology” and protects deeper and longer than other sealers. Because Pro Sealer does not trap moisture, it is also ideal for waterproofing and sealing of concrete, stone, and masonry. Pro Sealer prevents hard water stains, and staining from food, water, oil, and dirt.
Color Enhancer
STONE PRO – Color Enhancer Stone Sealer. Color Enhancer Sealer offers a single step solution to restoring the factory new color of unpolished stone while providing a protective barrier against hard water deposits and other water based stains. For interior and exterior use, this deep penetrating sealer penetrates unpolished natural stone with its unique “Hybrid Carrier Technology” and protects deeper and longer than other sealers. Because Pro Sealer does not trap moisture, it is also ideal for waterproofing and sealing of concrete, stone, and masonry.
Stone Gloss
STONE PRO – Stone Gloss Sealer. Stone Gloss and Sealer is a topical coating that seals unpolished natural stone, pavers, brick, and slate while adding natural color enhancement and a high reflective finish. Designed for interior and exterior use, Stone Gloss Sealer is resistant to acid, oil, and water while providing a gloss finish to rough surface stone and masonry.
Safeguard H2O
STONE PRO – Safeguard H20 Water Repellant Sealer. Protect against hard water stains and other waterborne contaminants with Safeguard H20 –a cost effective, industrial grade penetrating sealer. Safeguard is environmentally safe, water based, and easy to apply. It leaves no sheen or residue on indoor or outdoor stone and reduces efflorescence on exterior brick and masonry.
Safeguard H2O
STONE PRO – Safeguard H20 Water Repellant Sealer. Protect against hard water stains and other waterborne contaminants with Safeguard H20 –a cost effective, industrial grade penetrating sealer. Safeguard is environmentally safe, water based, and easy to apply. It leaves no sheen or residue on indoor or outdoor stone and reduces efflorescence on exterior brick and masonry.
Mr. Hard Water® 2 - Liquid Glass Polish Data Sheet
Mr Hard Water™ 2 – Liquid Glass Polish:
● 2X Coverage Rates ● 2X Faster ● 2X Stronger ● 2X Safer
DESCRIPTION:
Mr Hard Water™ Polishing Slurry is an alternative to cerium oxide and is comprised of 1800 nm polishing particles fully suspended in deionized water, making it ready-to-use. Simply spray onto a polishing pad and your ready to polish away glass swirl marks, hard water stains, and glass etching. It is specifically designed for full pane glass polishing where large surfaces need to be polished. It’s also ideal for sensitive glass surfaces that react poorly to powder based cleaners. The Mr Hard Water™ slurry is resistant to shear, making it last longer than ceramic oxide powders. By extending the life of your slurry, operational and consumable costs are reduced. Recommended applications are any polishing operations which utilize polishing pads for polishing glass, quartz, and ceramics.
BENEFITS:
- For glass surfaces sensitive to powder abrasives
- Removes Swirl Marks
- Glass De-Etching
- Recommended for polishing large glass surfaces.
- Ready to use – no mixing required.
- Safe on metals, stone, and surrounding surfaces.
- Easy-to-use. Spray directly pad and polish.
Liquid Nylon Polishing Pad Data Sheet
DESCRIPTION: Liquid Nylon Polishing Pad
Designed to work with Mr Hard Water&trade2 Liquid Glass Polish, the Liquid Nylon Polishing Pad is a hook and loop polishing pad optimized for liquid and slurry based polishing compounds. Liquid polishes add much needed lubrication during polishing, are ready to use (no mixing required), and are able to suspend in solution polishing particles much smaller (more than 50X smaller) than abrasive powders, making them safer on sensitive glass surfaces. Each Liquid Nylon Polishing Pad contains an absorptive insert sandwiched between multiple layers of durable nylon webbing to better hold and distribute liquid polishes. This increases coverage rates and reduces overspray, making the Liquid Nylon Polishing Pad ideal for “full pane” glass polishing.
BENEFITS:
- Ideal for liquid polishes, compounds, and slurries.
- Reduces over spray.
- Increases coverage rates.
- Ideal for “full pane” glass polishing.
- Contains an absorptive foam insert sandwiched between durable nylon webbing.
- Does not contain felt or backing material. Absorbs less water allowing more for lubrication.
- Safer than steel wool.
- Available in 5” or 7”
- RECOMMENDED: Mr Hard Water™ 2 – Liquid Glass Polish
Choosing the Right Stain Remover
Coated Glass:
Be cautious of coated glass. Many new windows are made with sensitive glass or with coatings that are not conducive to powder based cleaning powders when used during polishing. In fact, many of these types of windows react poorly to chemicals as well. In general, they can be difficult to work with. Always test any product in an inconspicuous place. After testing, go to the inside of the window and look through it to see if there are any adverse effects such as swirling.
Avoid trapping dirt, sand, and calcium crystals beneath the pad while polishing. Keep your pads clean and free of dirt. For extra heavy calcium build up, blade or wash window to remove the heavy loose dirt and build up.
Liquid Glass Polish:
A liquid glass polish can help to mitigate problems encountered on sensitive glass. By suspending polishing particles in a liquid, polishing results are improved by the added lubrication. In addition, by using a liquid, finer polishing particles can be used. If these particles were transformed into a powder, they would simply blow away like a fine dust. Mr Hard Water 2 – Liquid Glass Polish uses particles 50 times smaller than the finest of cleaning powder. Each is optimized for glass polishing. The liquid used to suspend these particles is deionized water. For non-coated glass. Mr Hard Water Cleaning Powder will cut through tough hard water stains. For sensitive windows a liquid glass polish such as Mr Hard Water 2 may provide better and safer results. Always test in an inconspicuous place.
SWIRL MARKS:
Swirl marks occur due to either trapping loose unwanted particles under the pad during polishing, or the glass has a surface treatment that is too sensitive for the polishing particles or pad. In general, these super fine swirl marks are only visible on tinted glass when the sun shines through the window in such a way as to expose the marks. Otherwise, they are difficult to see. In many cases, these swirl marks can be polished out with the correct compound.
Shower Doors:
Many customers have used CLR or other strong chemicals on their shower doors before you have arrived. In these cases, the chemicals have most likely etched a droplet ring around the stain and it can not be polished out. It’s faint but there. For most customers, they will be pleased with the result none-the-less.
Restoration:
Restoration is different from window cleaning. The goal is to avoid replacing glass. However, in some instances, the glass cannot be repaired easily so it’s not worth restoring. Always test the degree of damage to determine your work load.
Restoring the glass to 90% new is usually easily achievable. Restoring the last 10% is often times not worth it. Most customers are satisfied with 90%. After all, your pricing is usually 20% of glass replacement.
Restoration in general is a more aggressive cleaning process. That’s why polishers are used. It gains an extra mechanical advantage and achieves results far better than by hand. But polishing has risks because the cleaner and pad are spinning on the glass. Always know what kind of glass you’re working with and test it!
Envicoat Data Sheet
ENVICOAT Product Data
- Protects against moisture, corrosion, and oxidation.
- Ideal for interior and exterior commercial and residential applications.
- Repels and prevents the adherence of foreign particulates.
- Provides a clear, invisible protective barrier.
- Will not crack, chip, peel, or discolor.
- Suitable for many surfaces.
- Easy to apply.
- Smoothes rough surface profile (Friction Reducing).
When exposed to the elements, unprotected surfaces are costly to maintain and replace. They require more frequent maintenance, are harder to clean, and suffer shorter life spans due to degradation, resulting in earlier replacement, lower ROI (return on investment) and loss of initial investment.
Typical Uses
Envicoat is a highly advanced siliconzed polymer compound that creates an invisible yet durable molecular coating that is hydrophobic (non-polar/water repelling) in performance.
For use as a surface treatment on glass and non-porous surfaces.
- For use as a surface treatment on glass to minimize the damage due to moisture, corrosion, oxidation, and hard water spots.
- For use as a surface treatment on non-ferrous metal surfaces, porcelain surfaces, fiberglass surfaces, non-vitreous (porous) surfaces, and plastic surfaces.
- For use as a surface treatment on polished natural stone surfaces.
- For use as a surface treatment on vehicles to reduce the frequency of washing (save water) and improve appearance.
- For use as a surface treatment on vehicles to reduce friction.
- For use as a surface treatment on boat hulls and boat superstructures to protect against corrosion.
- For use as a surface treatment on boat hulls and boat superstructures to reduce the frequency of washing (save water) and improve appearance.
- For use as a protective surface treatment on exterior building walls to protect against corrosion.
- For use as a surface treatment on exterior building walls to reduce the frequency of washing (save water) and improve appearance.
- For use as a surface treatment on decorative fixtures in the home, in office buildings, and commercial buildings to protect against tarnishing and to reduce the frequency of dusting.
Benefits
- Envicoat extends wash down cycles for residential and commercial buildings, automobiles, water vessels, trucks, RVs, and airplanes – saving water (Eco-Friendly) and maintenance costs.
- Envicoat extends the life of many unprotected surfaces exposed to the environment, avoiding high replacement costs.
- Envicoat reduces maintenance time, and lowers labor costs – enabling more enjoyment and less time cleaning.
- Envicoat makes surfaces easier to clean by avoiding harsh chemicals which can damage the surface and its surroundings.
How Envicoat Works
How Envicoat Works
Envicoat® is a blend of synthetic polymers that is designed to alter the properties of glass and similar nonporous surfaces in such a way as to cause water, sleet and snow to be repelled from the surface. In addition, Envicoat® is also capable of reducing the adhesion and buildup on glass and non-porous surfaces (hereafter referred to simply as glass surfaces) of many other materials such as dust, salt and other forms of environmental substances.
The reason why water and such substances adhere to glass surfaces is the molecules that make up these materials have similar polarities. That is, these substances have dipole moments within their molecular structure that causes the molecule to have a positive and negative end. This property will cause the negative end of one molecule to be attracted to a positive end of another molecule. When a surface has such polar properties it is referred to as being “hydrophilic.” This refers to the fact that the surface will attract water molecules and other substances that have polarity properties similar to water. Glass surfaces exhibit hydrophilic properties. Therefore, in order to cause a glass surface to repel water, its polar “hydrophilic” characteristics must be changed in such a way that it becomes nonpolar. A nonpolar surface is referred to as exhibiting “hydrophobic” properties; that is, it repels water.
When Envicoat® is applied to a glass surface it causes the surface to become hydrophobic. The way that this is accomplished is through the use of silicon polymers. Silicones, or more specifically organopolysiloxanes, are polymeric materials that contain silicon, oxygen, and organic groups. The term “polymeric” with respect to these molecules refers to their property of being able to be linked together to form long chain of molecules called polymers. The methyl silicones (also called dimethylpolysiloxanes) are perhaps the most important members of this class of materials.
Envicoat FAQ
What is Envicoat?
Envicoat is a safe, easy to apply surface treatment that can be used on glass, windshields, shower doors, metal, tile, fiberglass, painted surfaces and more.
It repels moisture and other foreign particulates -preventing hard water damage, corrosion, and rust.
It also improves visibility while driving and provides a racer’s edge to auto and marine enthusiasts by reducing friction.
Who can use Envicoat?
Envicoat is ideal for home owners, service professionals, and anyone concerned with saving maintenance time and costs, and lengthening their investment in protectable surfaces.
How can Envicoat save me time and money?
- Envicoat extends wash down cycles for residential and commercial buildings, automobiles, water vessels, trucks, RVs, and airplanes – saving water (Eco-Friendly) and maintenance costs.
- Envicoat extends the life of many unprotected surfaces exposed to the environment, avoiding high replacement costs.
- Envicoat reduces maintenance time, and lowers labor costs – enabling more enjoyment and less time cleaning.
- Envicoat makes surfaces easier to clean by avoiding harsh chemicals which can damage the surface and its surroundings.
What Surfaces can Envicoat be used on?
- Envicoat can be safely used for interior and exterior commercial and residential surfaces.
- Envicoat can be safely used on all glass surfaces, mirrors, non-ferrous metals, porcelain, fiberglass, non-vitreous tiles, and most plastic materials.
- Envicoat may also be used on polished natural stone surfaces, but careful consideration must be given to the possible effects of it forming a moisture barrier.
- Envicoat is also chemically compatible with nearly all anodized, siliconized, epoxy enamel, polyurethane and flouropolymer coatings.
What does Envicoat do?
- Protects against moisture, corrosion, and oxidation.
- Ideal for interior and exterior commercial and residential applications.
- Repels and prevents the adherence of foreign particulates.
- Provides a clear, invisible protective barrier.
- Will not crack, chip, peel, or discolor.
- Suitable for many surfaces.
- Easy to apply.
- Smoothes rough surface profile (Friction Reducing).
How to Seal Windshields
DRIVING AND RACING VEHICLES can increase speed, reduce friction, and improve safety by applying Mr. Hard Water® Glass Sealant to Windshields, Driver Helmets & Visors, Interior Surfaces, and Exterior vehicle bodies.
Mr. Hard Water® Glass Sealant is a blend of synthetic polymers that is designed to alter the properties of glass and similar non-porous surfaces in such a way as to cause water, sleet, and snow to be repelled from the surface. In addition, Mr. Hard Water® Glass Sealer is also capable of reducing the adhesion and buildup of many other materials such as dust, salt and other forms of environmental substances – making racing faster –maintenance easier, and visibility safer.
Mr. Hard Water® Glass Sealant creates an invisible yet durable molecular coating that is hydrophobic in performance. Its unique properties repel moisture and prevent the adherence of foreign particulates. It will not crack, chip, peel or discolor.
Surfaces:
- Mr. Hard Water® Glass Sealant can be safely used for interior and exterior commercial and residential surfaces.
- Mr. Hard Water® Glass Sealant can be safely used on all glass surfaces, mirrors, non-ferrous metals, porcelain, fiberglass, non-vitreous tiles, and most plastic materials.
- Mr. Hard Water® Glass Sealant may also be used on polished natural stone surfaces, but careful consideration must be given to the possible effects of it forming a moisture barrier.
- Mr. Hard Water® Glass Sealant is also chemically compatible with nearly all anodized, siliconized, epoxy enamel, polyurethane and flouropolymer coatings.
Surface Preparation:
Coating performance is proportional to the degree of surface preparation. Surfaces must be clean and dry and free of contaminants such as dust, dirt, grease, or oil. Many cleaning solutions leave a residue which may impact performance. Consult the manufacturer’s recommendation for surface cleaning.
WINDSHIELDS
Auto Windshields – Preparing the Windshield with Mr. Hard Water
Mr. Hard Water Pads and Powder increases Mr. Hard Water® Glass Sealant ’s durability. Ordinary windshield cleaners leave behind a microscopic residue. Mr. Hard Water cleans deeper without acids or chemicals and its all-natural powder is micronized to the point that it can reach microscopic pores, insuring a strong Mr. Hard Water® Glass Sealant bond.
Reaction Force When Holding Pressure Washer Wands
Reaction Force when holding pressure washing wands:
For a bent wand, two forces act on the operator: 1) a reaction force pushing back on the operator, and 2) a force that “lifts” the wand due to the bend in the wand.
To estimate these forces, use the following formulas:
